Food & Beverage

Industry Overview

All companies involved in processing raw food materials, packaging, and distributing them constitute the food and beverage industry. Any product meant for human consumption, aside from pharmaceuticals can be a part of the food and beverage industry. The two segments of the food and beverage industry are production and distribution of edible goods. Production includes the processing of meats and cheeses and the creating of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, packaged foods, and other modified foods excluding foods that were directly produced via farming and other forms of agriculture. Distribution involves transporting the finished food product to the consumers but it does not include the manufacturing of food and drink and its retailing. The primary areas of concern for the food and beverage industry, as pertains to the law, are product safety claims, accurate labeling and advertising, and food import regulations. Other practice areas that often cross over with food and beverage law include contract, business laws, distribution networks, agricultural laws, personal injury, international trade laws, and many others.